Football
Group Stage 2016
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PA Sport 9y

Omer Damari nets hat trick as Israel ease to victory over Andorra

Israel maintained their 100 percent start to Euro 2016 qualification with a 4-1 victory over Andorra.

Omer Damari was the hero, the Austria Vienna striker scoring twice in the first half and then completing his hat trick eight minutes from time before Tomer Hemed netted a stoppage-time penalty.

It was Israel's second Group B victory after they also saw off Cyprus, while Andorra, whose goal came from captain Ildefons Lima, remained without a point.

It took Israel just three minutes to take the lead, Damari sending a perfect chip from the right over Andorra goalkeeper Ferran Pol.

But Andorra levelled with 15 minutes gone through Lima's penalty, the defender's second spot kick in three games after he also scored against Wales.

This time the penalty was awarded after Bebras Natcho brought down Ivan Lorenzo.

Andorra had several chances to move into the lead as the momentum shifted but Israel stood firm and restored their advantage four minutes before half-time.

There was no doubt about Damari's intent this time, the striker turning in Tal Ben Haim's cross from close range.

Israel pushed for a third during the second half and finally got their reward in the 82nd minute, Natcho setting up Damari for a fine turn and finish.

Damari is only the second Israeli to score a hat trick in European Championship qualifying after Yossi Benayoun.

Pol had been the main reason Israel had been frustrated for so long but his night ended on a sour note when he was ruled to have brought down Etey Shechter, and fellow substitute Hemed scored from the spot with the final kick of the match.

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